How to Write a Eulogy for Your Sheikh - Eulogy Examples & Tips

Writing a eulogy for a sheikh can feel weighty and confusing at the same time. A sheikh might have been a spiritual guide, a teacher, an imam, or a community elder. You want to honor them in a way that respects Islamic etiquette and the feelings of family and community. This guide gives clear steps, examples you can adapt, and brief explanations of terms so you can write something honest and useful.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone asked to speak about a sheikh at a funeral, janazah prayer, memorial, or community gathering. Maybe you were a student, a colleague, a mosque board member, or a friend. Maybe you are not Muslim and you want to say something respectful. There are examples for formal religious tone, short mosque announcements, personal student tributes, and for complicated relationships.

What is a sheikh

In general usage a sheikh is a title for a respected elder, religious scholar, or community leader in Muslim communities. The exact role varies. Some sheikhs are imams who lead prayers and give sermons. Others are teachers of Islamic sciences or Sufi guides. The label is about trust and spiritual authority more than a single job description.

Terms and acronyms you might see

• Janazah The Islamic funeral prayer that is performed for the deceased.
• Imam A person who leads the five daily prayers or Friday prayer. Not all sheikhs are imams and not all imams are sheikhs.
• Ghusl The ritual washing of the body before burial.
• Kafan The shroud used to wrap the deceased.
• Dua A supplication or prayer asking Allah for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased.
• Ayah A verse of the Quran.
• Hadith A report of the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. People sometimes cite short hadiths to express the religious virtues of the deceased.
• InshaAllah An Arabic phrase meaning if God wills. It is used to indicate hope or intention while recognizing God s will.
• RA Short for Radiyallahu Anhu or Radiyallahu Anha which means may Allah be pleased with him or her. This is sometimes used after the names of respected early Muslims. It is not required for modern usage but you might see it.

Is a eulogy different from other funeral remarks

A eulogy is a personal speech about the deceased. It is not the janazah prayer or the khutbah which is the sermon given on Friday. Some communities prefer short personal remarks before or after the janazah. Others do not. Always check with the family and the imam about what is appropriate and when you may speak.

How long should a eulogy for a sheikh be

Short and focused is better. Aim for two to five minutes if you are speaking during or near the janazah. That is roughly 300 to 700 spoken words. If the event is a separate memorial or celebration of life, five to eight minutes is reasonable. Always confirm time limits with the family or mosque leadership. Respect for the ritual schedule and the feelings of attendees matters most.

Before you start writing

• Check religious and cultural expectations Ask the family and the imam whether brief personal remarks are welcome and where they should fit in the order of events.
• Decide your tone Will this be formal and spiritual, personal and reflective, or short and practical? Tone should fit the sheikh s public role and the family s wishes.
• Gather accurate details Confirm correct name pronunciation, titles, important dates if you plan to mention them, and how the family prefers religious phrases to be used.
• Ask for memories If you are writing for the mosque community include a short memory from a student or colleague to show the sheikh s impact.
• Keep it truthful and modest Praise in Islam should be honest and measured. Avoid exaggerated claims about spiritual rank. Highlight concrete deeds and qualities.

Structure that works

Use a clear structure to stay focused. A simple shape helps listeners and gives you permission to be concise.

• Opening State your name, your relationship to the sheikh, and offer a brief line about why you are speaking.
• Life sketch Give a compact overview of roles the sheikh held such as teacher, imam, author, or community elder.
• Concrete examples Share one or two short stories that show character, teaching style, or a community impact.
• Spiritual legacy Mention what lessons the sheikh left in terms of faith practice, kindness, or service.
• Closing Offer a short dua or an appropriate Quranic ayah. Invite the audience to make dua for the sheikh.

What to avoid

• Avoid long personal stories that distract from the sheikh s public role or that expose private family details.
• Avoid theological claims about a person s final status with Allah. Leave judgment to God.
• Avoid music or secular entertainment at gatherings where that is not culturally acceptable.
• Avoid criticizing the deceased or using the eulogy to air family disputes.

How to write the opening

Keep the opening short and respectful. If appropriate say Bismillah ar Rahman ar Rahim which means in the name of God the Most Merciful. Confirm with the family if they want that phrase used publicly.

Opening examples

• Assalamu Alaikum. My name is Ahmed and I am a student of Sheikh Karim. I am honored to share a few quiet memories of his teaching and his kindness.
• Peace be upon you all. I am Fatima, a member of the mosque board. Today we remember Sheikh Omar and what he built in our community.
• Hello. I am Yusuf and I taught Arabic with Sheikh Hassan. He taught me patience as much as grammar. I would like to say a few lines about that patience.

How to write the life sketch

The life sketch is not a full biography. Pick roles and facts that help your story. Mention where he served, the kinds of classes he taught, and the communities he touched. Keep dates minimal unless they matter to the audience.

Life sketch templates

• [Name] served as imam at [mosque name] for [years]. He taught classes in Quran recitation and Islamic jurisprudence. He was a husband, father, teacher, and friend.
• Born in [place], Sheikh [Name] studied [field] and later returned to serve the local community. He had a calm voice and a steady habit of visiting the sick.

Anecdotes that matter

Stories are what people remember. Choose short, specific anecdotes that show how the sheikh lived his faith.

Good anecdote examples

• Once a neighbor lost their job and the sheikh quietly organized a grocery delivery for the family without making a fuss. That is how he taught charity by doing it.
• In class he would stop and ask students how they were doing beyond test scores. He believed knowledge was for bettering people s lives not for showing off.
• He always finished classes with the same dua for his students. We repeated it at weddings and funerals. It became a small ritual of continuity.

Balancing religious language and personal reflection

Include Quranic verses or short hadith only if the family and imam are comfortable. Use brief religious phrases and explain them if your audience includes non Arabic speakers. Keep theological statements modest and grounded in practice.

Examples of full eulogies you can adapt

Example 1: Formal mosque tribute, 3 to 4 minute version

Assalamu Alaikum. My name is Dr. Salma and I was privileged to study tafsir with Sheikh Abdullah for seven years.

Sheikh Abdullah served as a teacher and imam at our mosque for over two decades. He was known for precise Quranic recitation and for his patience in explaining difficult texts. He would arrive an hour early to greet worshippers and stay after classes to answer questions from young people.

One memory that captures him is from Ramadan. After taraweeh prayer he would quietly collect donations for a family in need and then hand the envelope directly to the mother, insisting she not make a fuss. His generosity was private and consistent.

He taught us that knowledge is responsibility. His students learned not only grammar and meaning but also how to show up for one another. We will miss his calm voice and his way of making complex things feel manageable. Please join me in making dua for his forgiveness and for his family s patience.

Example 2: Short mosque announcement under two minutes

Peace be upon you. I am Omar from the youth group. Sheikh Yusuf led our summer Quran circle and he always made space for latecomers. He encouraged the kids to ask questions and he answered them kindly even when tired. We will miss him. Please make dua for him and for his family.

Example 3: Student tribute, personal and spiritual

Assalamu Alaikum. I am Layla, one of Sheikh Hamid s students. He taught me that humility is the root of knowledge. Once when I nervously mispronounced a verse he smiled and corrected me gently. That kindness changed how I learned. He prayed for each student by name at the end of class and he meant it. I am grateful for that steady care. May Allah grant him mercy.

Example 4: Complicated relationship, honest and respectful

Assalamu Alaikum. I am Karim. I learned from Sheikh Nabil though our relationship had tensions. He could be strict and I resisted that at times. Later I saw how his insistence on honesty helped me become more disciplined. In recent years we spoke more and I came to appreciate his advice. I am thankful for that growth. May Allah reward him for his efforts and forgive our flaws.

Fill in the blank templates

Use these templates and edit so the phrasing fits your voice. Keep religious phrases brief and check with the family before including specific Quranic verses.

Template A: Formal mosque tribute

Assalamu Alaikum. My name is [Your Name] and I served with Sheikh [Name] at [mosque or institution]. Sheikh [Name] was known for [two qualities such as kindness, teaching, service]. One example of his care is [brief story]. He taught us [practical lesson or spiritual attribute]. Please join me in making dua for his forgiveness and mercy.

Template B: Short community announcement

Hello. I am [Your Name] from [group]. Sheikh [Name] welcomed everyone to his classes and treated strangers like family. My memory is [one short memory]. We ask you to pray for him and to support his family.

Template C: Personal student tribute

Assalamu Alaikum. I am [Your Name], a student of Sheikh [Name]. He taught me [skill or value]. My favorite memory is [short anecdote]. I will remember his [trait]. May Allah grant him the best of this world and the next.

Practical tips for delivery

• Confirm timing Mosque events can be tightly scheduled. Check with the imam or family about when you may speak and how long you should be.
• Keep religious formalities If appropriate begin with Bismillah and end with a dua. Keep recitations brief and correct the Arabic if you are unsure of pronunciation.
• Print your notes Use large font and short paragraphs. Index cards work well.
• Practice out loud Reading aloud helps you find the right pace and catches phrases that might need simplification.
• Respect the space If the mosque prohibits certain actions like clapping follow those norms and speak in a tone that suits worship setting.
• Coordinate names and honorifics Confirm how the family wants the sheikh referenced for example Sheikh [First Name] or Sheikh [Full Name].
• Bring tissues and water Emotions happen. Pausing briefly is fine.

When you are unsure about religious content

If you want to include a Quranic ayah or a hadith, check with the imam or a trusted religious authority. Short ayahs about mercy and patience are commonly used. If you cite an ayah, keep it brief and provide a translation for non Arabic speakers. Avoid long theological discussion at a funeral or janazah.

How to close your remarks

Close with a short dua asking Allah to forgive the sheikh and to grant patience to the family. Offer a practical call to action such as making sadaqah in the sheikh s name or supporting the family during the coming days. Example closing line:

May Allah forgive Sheikh [Name], grant him the highest place in Jannah, and give his family patience. Please stand and make dua together for him.

Logistics and who to tell

• Tell the imam or funeral organizer you will speak and provide a short copy of your remarks if requested.
• Confirm whether the family wants the speech printed in a memorial program or posted online.
• If the sheikh had students who travel, consider recording the eulogy or sharing a written copy for those who cannot attend.

Glossary of useful terms

• Janazah The communal funeral prayer performed for the deceased.
• Imam Leader of prayer. May also lead community activities and teaching.
• Ghusl Ritual washing of the body prior to burial.
• Kafan The burial shroud.
• Dua Supplication. Making dua is recommended at funerals for mercy and forgiveness.
• Ayah Verse of the Quran.
• Hadith Report about the Prophet Muhammad s words or actions. Short hadiths are sometimes recited to remind the community of virtues.

Frequently asked questions

Is it appropriate for non Muslims to give a eulogy for a sheikh

Yes. Non Muslim friends can give respectful personal remarks about the sheikh s character and service. Avoid theological statements and follow the family s guidance about wording and content.

Can I recite Quranic verses during a eulogy

Yes if the family and imam approve. Keep recitations short and include a translation for those who do not understand Arabic. Check pronunciation if you recite out loud because people may be listening closely.

Should I mention the sheikh s scholarly titles or degrees

It is appropriate to mention formal roles and achievements such as positions held and books written. Stick to facts and avoid exaggerated claims about spiritual rank.

What if I get emotional and cannot finish

Pause and breathe. The community expects emotion. If you cannot continue have a designated person ready to finish your closing dua. Practice this plan in advance with a family contact.

How do I balance personal memories with respect for ritual

Keep personal stories brief and focused on how the sheikh served others or taught values. Avoid sharing private matters or anything that could distract from the prayer and ritual focus.

How long should my remarks be at a janazah

Keep remarks to two to five minutes. The janazah prayer and burial logistics are time sensitive so shorter remarks are usually preferred.